4-Androstenedione, an organic compound with the molecular formula C19H26O2 and CAS number 63-05-8, often shows up as a basic raw material in pharmaceutical manufacturing and research labs. Most analysts know it by its shorter name: Androstenedione. This steroidal intermediate offers a foundation for synthesis of testosterone and estrogen. Workers in the industry might run into it in the form of a fine white or off-white powder, crystalline solid, or pearl-like granules. Not every sample looks identical — some batches come pressed into flakes or dispersed as a solid, while suppliers can provide it in bulk powder depending on the customer’s processing needs.
The backbone ties together four fused rings — classic cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene skeleton. Each molecule weighs in at around 286.41 grams per mole. The density falls near 1.13 g/cm3, giving it a physical heft that’s clear when poured out of a drum. Melting occurs between 170-175°C; this tells users it's stable at most ambient conditions. Solubility can stump some buyers: 4-Androstenedione barely dissolves in water, only to the extent of a few milligrams per liter, but opens up in organic solvents — ethanol, acetone, and chloroform all get the job done. Because it rarely appears as a liquid at room temperature, workers generally scoop or weigh it out as a powder.
Quality specs drive buyers’ decisions in the steroidal intermediate market. High-purity sources reach 98% or more, measured by HPLC. Such grades cut down on unknowns, especially when preparing for sensitive synthesis steps. Impurities, if present, fall well under 1%. Loss on drying rarely exceeds 0.5%, and residues on ignition (ash content) sit at less than 0.1%. Buyers hunt for this data before they close any deal. Physical state choices range from flakes, crystalline solid, to powder; each option supports specific production processes. For example, powder moves easily through pneumatic systems, while larger flakes may be easier to handle manually during lab-scale operations.
This compound falls under HS Code 29372300, marked for “Steroidal hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues.” Tracking this code helps importers and exporters navigate customs declarations and trade compliance. Because it qualifies as a precursor for regulated substances, shipping and documentation requirements can change depending on jurisdiction. Some countries clamp down hard on import volume and intended use, so any company that moves it across borders needs to work closely with compliance officers and regulators.
Anybody who handles 4-Androstenedione wears gloves and works under a fume hood for a reason. As a raw chemical, it can be harmful if breathed in or if dust contacts skin or eyes. Direct, repeated exposure risks hormonal disruptions, especially for workers in chemical synthesis facilities. No one treats it as a food or supplement ingredient — it’s a research or synthesis material only. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for this compound list the expected warnings: irritant to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin; potentially harmful for men and women in reproductive age; keep away from open flames due to dust ignition risk. Anyone using it keeps a safety shower nearby, with spill containment granules ready for emergencies. Proper labeling along with secure, sealed packaging prevents accidental mix-ups or exposure during storage and transport.
Suppliers provide 4-Androstenedione as a raw material for steroidal drug synthesis. In hormone production lines, its conversion to testosterone or estrone happens via guided catalyst reactions. The purity of the starting steroid carries over to final drug quality, so manufacturers chase pure lots, transparent documentation, and reliable supply. Labs sometimes purchase small packs for assay calibration or pathway research, seeking the same chemical identity and batch consistency. Robust packaging—airtight drums, vacuum-sealed containers, strong labeling—protects against moisture or contamination. Warehouses store the solid in dry, cool spaces, far from food raw materials and away from sunlight.
The responsible use of 4-Androstenedione leans heavily on worker education, chemical stewardship, and legal compliance. For many, the central concern stays rooted in safe handling to avoid acute and chronic impacts—this affects not only production lines but the supply chain and regulatory outlook as well. Some researchers argue for clear labeling of hormonal intermediates wherever they enter the pharmaceutical market. Training can cut risks, and alarm systems that warn about dust buildup in air can prevent dangerous accidents. Chemical engineers continue to work on improving purity, batch size, and environmental practices — solvent recovery, safe disposal routes, and tighter monitoring of effluent streams take priority in high-volume production plants. With companies moving toward sustainability, demand grows for better lifecycle tracking from synthesis to finished drug.
